Contests 101: 5 Editor Takeaways

What does an editor / judge / agent think when they evaluate your contest manuscript? I can't speak for all of them, but here's one editor's viewpoint. . .

Five Things I Learned After Writing My First Chapter

With my cursor at the beginning of Chapter 1 of my WWII historical fiction novel, I hit Ctrl+Enter and sighed. Beginning a book all over again isn't pleasant sometimes. I loved this chapter. I mean, really liked it, even though I knew all along something wasn't quite right about it. For several months when I … Continue reading Five Things I Learned After Writing My First Chapter

Contests 101: 5 Author Takeaways

Contests bring out the best and the worst in all of us---the entrants, the judges, the agents or editors.  As a published author and professional editor, I've been on the receiving and giving side of both ends of the contest spectrum. And though I often didn't like the judges' score, I did appreciate their gracious … Continue reading Contests 101: 5 Author Takeaways

Christmas on the Home Front

  In 1943, the war was two years old; however, across the U.S., many homes were torn apart as fathers, brothers, uncles, and sweethearts and friends were drafted. For the duration, homes would be empty of loved ones during the holidays. To boost morale, Bing Crosby's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" became the favorite Christmas song for … Continue reading Christmas on the Home Front

Peanut Butter and Pickles

Food was so different in the 1940s. Readers and writers of historical fiction, take note: peanut butter and . . .

Curious George and World War Two

We love Curious George! But we almost wouldn't have fallen in love with such a fun little monkey....

3 Steps to Build Your Writer’s Platform

We each have intrinsic value to contribute to our community. Three ways to build your writer's platform.